Aubrey Plaza injury update: Actress tore ACL in knockout competition ahead of WNBA All-Star Game, per report

David Suggs

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Aubrey Plaza injury update: Actress tore ACL in knockout competition ahead of WNBA All-Star Game, per report image

The stars were out for the 2024 WNBA All-Star Game — and not just on the court.

Several notable celebrities were in attendance at Phoenix's Footprint Center, from Jason Sudeikis to Shannon Sharpe.

Few garnered as much attention as Aubrey Plaza, however. The 40-year-old actress was surrounded by greatness as she sat courtside Saturday, kicking it with former FIFA Player of the Year Megan Rapinoe and 13-time WNBA All-Star Sue Bird.

Plaza got a firsthand look at the W's greatest talents, with Arike Ogunbowale, Breanna Stewart, Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese among the standout performers. But she also made her own headlines for her basketball exploits.

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During the game, ESPN's cameras got a glimpse of Bird and Rapinoe helping Plaza adjust what appeared to be a brace on her right leg.

Plaza was escorted to Saturday's game by an entourage of two...crutches. Her injury became the talk of the town on X, the website formerly known as Twitter. Here's what you need to know.

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Aubrey Plaza injury update

What happened to Plaza? The actress, known for her star turns in "Parks and Recreation" and "The White Lotus," tore her ACL after playing a game of knockout at the Mercury's new practice facility ahead of the All-Star Game, per ESPN's broadcast.

It's unclear exactly when the game in question took place. But Plaza wasn't sporting crutches during Friday night's 3-Point Contest and Skills Challenge. 

Plaza is a known hooper, having played for a rec league team, the Pistol Shrimps, in 2015. Their push towards basketball greatness was chronicled in a documentary of the same name released in 2016.

MORE: Angel Reese sings Caitlin Clark's praises during WNBA All-Star Game

She also is a Chris Bosh superfan, so much so that she risked personal embarrassment to snap a picture with the former Raptors and Heat standout. If that isn't dedication to the craft, what is?

Plaza is no stranger to WNBA games, having made an appearance at the WNBA Finals last year to watch the Liberty take on the Aces. Like any hoops aficionado with the means would do, she even trotted onto the court to get some shots up.

So her presence at the WNBA All-Star Game was not only appreciated but expected.

MORE: Arike Ogunbowale, Angel Reese shine in win vs. Team USA

While Plaza has not confirmed the report of a torn ACL, if she did indeed suffer that fate, it would represent her second time sidelined with such an injury. She tore her ACL a few years back after attempting to dupe her rec league's system and masquerade as someone else to play on the same team as her sister.

Nevertheless, Plaza appeared to be in good spirits throughout Saturday's showcase. And given her experience coming back from knee injuries in the past, she certainly has the pedigree to make it back onto the court sooner or later.

David Suggs

David Suggs Photo

David Suggs is a content producer at The Sporting News. A long-suffering Everton, Wizards and Commanders fan, he has learned to get used to losing over the years. In his free time, he enjoys skateboarding (poorly), listening to the likes of Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye and D’Angelo, and penning short journal entries.